Building A Legacy – Philanthropy Q&A

Q: I am interested in making a monetary gift. What options do I have?
A: You may either simply write a check, made payable to Georgia Southern University Foundation or visit our website, GeorgiaSouthern.edu/give to use VISA, Mastercard, American Express or Discover.

Q: How do I designate my gift for a particular purpose?
A: If you wish to give to a specific fund, either indicate it on the memo line of your check or include detailed instructions when sending your gift. The College of Business Building Fund is designated as 0505. For gifts greater than $5,000, please contact BuildingALegacy@GeorgiaSouthern.edu or (912) 478-5083.

Q: Are there other ways of giving?
A: The Georgia Southern University Foundation welcomes gifts in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, stock and securities transfers, electronic funds transfer, matching corporate gifts, land gifts and wills/bequests.

Q: Is my gift tax deductible?
A: All gifts to the foundation are tax deductible; The Georgia Southern University Foundation qualifies as a public charitable organization and meets the requirements of Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). However, you should consult with your tax attorney/advisor about your gift.

Q: What is the Georgia Southern University Foundation?
A: The Georgia Southern University Foundation, Inc. is a not-for-profit organization established in 1962 to raise and manage private dollars to meet the needs of Georgia Southern University that are not funded through state allocations.

Q: The Georgia Southern University Foundation is a state public institution. Why does it need private gifts?
A: State funding is decreasing as a percentage of the university’s total operating budget, and the university is committed to keeping tuition and fees affordable. Funding from alumni and foundations is needed to help provide the difference.

Q: Can a pledge be extended over a period of time?
A: Pledges benefitting the College of Business may be made over a three-to-five year period from the date of the signed Letter of Agreement.

Q: How are names on and inside the renovated building determined?
A: Major gifts to the College of Business recognized through a naming opportunity in one of the three phases of construction. These gift opportunities range from $12,000,000 down to $10,000. The pledge must be paid in full before the name can be placed on the facility.

Q: What is an endowment?
A: Endowments are often referred to as the gifts that keep on giving. Endowments are permanently invested by the Georgia Southern University Foundation, and the income generated by that investment is used for the purpose you wish to
support – scholarships, chairs, supplemental salary support for faculty, research, programs and much more. A portion of the income may be reinvested each year enabling the endowment to grow and provide a permanent stream of income over time. A new endowment can be established at Georgia Southern with a minimum gift of $25,000.

Q: Should I choose to name Georgia Southern University in my estate plan, do I need to notify anyone?
A: You are not required to notify Georgia Southern University about your intent to leave a bequest; however, it is helpful for the university’s planning purposes to be aware of future gifts. The College of Business Office of Development is your resource to ensure a bequest gift is worded to be most useful in the future. You may also be interested in knowing about the Legacy Society that honors planned gift commitments.